The attempt to do something better than or before anyone else: this is the type of ambition that sends a sky dive's adrenaline rush and turns more heads than a Paris runway. But this is also the sort of event that is first to be ignored, mostly because of its scope. We say ‘Why should we think this'll actually work?' Or ‘It really won't affect our lives anyway.' But what if the driving force behind trying to be the best in the world, or even something so simple as the longest lasting, isn't for individual prestige but to help others?
This is the case with an attempt at the longest gaming marathon on Mario Brothers and Crash Bandicoot currently planned by Longwood Seniors Matthew Paxton and William Chase. The preliminary stages are being documented via podcast on their Facebook Group "Longwood Guinness World Record (TM) Project 2011-2012." With a current following of twenty-two, the group also hosts a link to the nonprofit Child's Play Charity, allowing online contributions from supporters of Paxton and Chase's attempt. The charity is one that, according to Paxton, "gives movies, books, games, toys and money to children and children's hospitals around the world." He also commented that it was their favorite part of the challenge, saying "in the beginning, we wanted to break the record but even if we don't I'll feel good if we get over a thousand dollars. "
Set to take place during Senior Week, the attempt should take place Saturday, May 5th, 2012 on campus. The challenge is arduous. William Chase has to beat 24hours of Crash Bandicoot for the World Record, and Matthew Paxton has to play over 50 hours of Mario. The game of choice can be any in the respective series. Elaborating on the development of their attempt, Paxton said, "In the beginning, it just came as a fun, little challenge. Later on, it kind of evolved into us ending our final year here at college with a bang. We decided to go for the Guinness world records. After that it kind of evolved into a charity event."
When asked about current sponsors, William Chase said, "Well basically, right now, we have Game Stop.We have their support; the manager said he could probably give us supplies with our games and whatever backup systems we'd need." Paxton also commented on the Game Stop district manager's knowledge of the attempt. When visiting the manager of the Farmville Game Stop Chris Houston, he said that he had "the list [of supplies, but] haven't had a chance to look over it yet." "But as soon as I do" Houston said, "I'll contact them and see what they need."
Houston also recalled Chase and Paxton's visit to the Game Stop informing him of their attempt at a world record, saying, "They came in the other day. They were all dressed up and they had their prospects ready for me. And I just had to shoot it by my district manager before I could approve it." However, of the district manager, Houston said he had heard "just his okay for so far. I mean, I haven't had a chance to physically talk to him yet." The attempt also garnered Houston's support due to the fact that it "Sounded cool [and he] liked to support it." Houston's opinion was colored largely by his participation at the Las Vegas Manager's Conference's shattering of the Guinness World Record for time playing a handheld game. Houston further commented that "As far as what [Farmville Game Stop gains, its] just more public notice. [We're] definitely willing to help out the gamers."
When asked how the student body could support their attempt, Paxton said he wanted "generally any type of support they can give.Cheer us on." Suspecting that "a lot of students are going to be in the Farmville area during senior week," Paxton said "seniors who choose to stay [can] come in…Just be an audience for us." "As for Guinness rules," he said, "they do require an audience of at least five people there. So that would be good for us specifically."
Paxton went on to indicate, "Any kind of staff member/faculty member could get involved by becoming a witness [or] a person who has credit the community who can verify our attempt as legitimate…. But to help the charity what they have to do is actually go to the Facebook Group Longwood Guinness 2011-2012. There they can follow the links…through a page that we set up [and] donate to Child's Play Charity online." At the time, Paxton also pointed to a shirt he was wearing, bought from Child's Play Charity and commented that it cost 17 dollars with the total profit going to Child's Play.
Meanwhile, Paxton and Chase's roommates in the Longwood Landings, Gino Martin and Brian Appich showed that they were already avid supporters of the cause. Martin, who was not present to be interviewed, may commit to providing food and transportation for the beleaguered gaming duo. Appich on the other hand stated, "I've been considering what they're trying to do, and I'm glad that they're [supporting a] charity. That sounds like a really good cause [and] because I'm one of the heads of the International Buddy program, I could potentially be a witness."
With their purpose already underway and the support base only waiting to grow, Paxton and Chase prepare for their shot at this vital test of endurance. However, the interested and the already occupied are likewise welcome to donate and improve the life of a child somewhere in this world. The donation's site linked to their Facebook page can be accessed directly via the web address http://310podcast productions.chipin.com/childs-play-charity. Child's Play Charity can be contacted via their webpage at http://www.childsplaycharity.org/ and Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ChildsPlayCharity.
